Something I always felt while reading the two previous 'Fiery Tales' short story collections, was that if given more time and space DiPasqua would be able to delight and intrigue a reader more fully. With A Midnight Dance, the first full length novel in the Fiery Tales series, she doesn't disappoint.

In many ways this is possibly my favorite of her re-tellings so far, but its also one of the looser re-tellings I think. Not as loose as some of the stories in the second collection, A Princess in His Bed, but not quite the traditional take. For one thing Sabine is way too feisty and determined to be mistaken for a damsel in distress (she was one, but she was proactively reaching for ways to get out of her situation). For another Jules is no Prince Charming--this was another story where the heroine and hero were just a hair's breathe from strangling each other.

And honestly I thought more than once that Sabine was going to slug him, Jules could be so...arrogant that I completely understood how appalled she was by the disillusionment of certain cherished dreams.

The heat level is intense, as Jules says (multiple times) Sabine's impassioned response to him drives him wild. I wouldn't say this reaches 'erotica' levels, but its definitely hotter then your average historical romance. There's a spark between them, instantaneous and unwavering, that had me eager to see where it would lead. Whether they are fighting, kissing, cursing each other or swearing unholy vengeance on their mutual enemies, the two are captivating.

The development of their relationship, up until the end, is amusing in some ways and sad in other ways. The two of them are so intent on their respective missions and certain ideas that its frustrating and sad at the same time. Its pretty obvious that if circumstances hadn't conspired the way they had they would have been a really good match. But then we wouldn't have a book would we? Once (part of) the ruse is up and the tables have turned somewhat that's when the real meat of the story begins. Sabine is the more realistic of the two, she knows the price that will be paid if Jules gets everything he wants. She understands the world whereas Jules, despite having been in a precariously bad position for a while, doesn't.

DiPasqua definitely proves her excellent taste in time periods, clothing and setting. The longer page count means even more pretty outfits and lavish displays of wealth--all of which she details perfectly so that as a reader you almost feel like you are in 18th century France. More than anything this is why I read her writing, the shorter stories didn't do justice to have immersed she can make you feel.

The ending was kind of...unsatisfying in a way. Its not so much rushed, but...idealized I suppose. Everything conspires to give them both exactly what they want. The compromises made are glossed over and I was left feeling as if it was just a little pat to be fulfilling. However the last couple of pages? I sincerely hope this means a sequel and happy are in the future. I really, really hope this is happens.
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A Midnight Dance
2 Stars

Drowning in debt after the death of her father and disappearance of her twin sister, Sabine Laurent is determined to recoup the family fortunes with the only means at her disposal - theft. Upon learning that Jules de Moutier, the man she once worshipped from a far, is transporting several chests of silver, Sabine plans a daring heist. But when things go awry, Sabine will have to decide whether her desire for vengeance is greater than the passion she feels in Jules’s arms.

Any resemblance between this story and the Cinderella tale is superficial at best. Moreover, neither the hero nor the heroine are particularly appealing, and the serial killer plot is woefully underdeveloped.

Jules is an elitist, pompous ass and Sabine is a deceitful manipulator. Their romance is lacking in chemistry despite the erotic sex scenes, and their emotional intimacy is not realistic or believable.

The conspiracy plot has potential, but does a complete U-turn halfway through the book and suddenly morphs into a story about an obsessed sociopath/serial killer targeting anyone who gets in his way. This has absolutely no foundation and although it does increase the tension and suspense, the climax and resolution are anti-climactic and unsatisfying.

The writing is also problematic as there are numerous scenes involving long and detailed conversations that contribute little to the characterization or storyline.

All in all, a disappointing book and there are much better Cinderella retellings available such as A Midnight Kiss by Eloisa James or The Prince Who Loves Me by Karen Hawkins. ( )

This book is really a throwback to the historical angsty romances full of misunderstanding, mistrust and overpowering attraction.

This was not as much of a Cinderella story as I thought it would be, but then again to be fair, the blurb says "inspired by Cinderella," not "a re-telling of Cinderella.."

I did not find the characters particularly likable.

**eARC netgalley**
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Now this was a very hot fairy tale re-telling, but then it is not a fairy tale, it is a Fiery tale.

Sabine has lost almost everything because of aristocrats. Her plan to save her family is damn right stupid, but it does show that she is willing to do anything. She is afraid, but still brave. She is loyal and not afraid of hard work.So even with her foolish plan I like her.

Our hero is Jules de Moutier, a former aristo who wants his title and land back, and now he is a privateer. He may not show it at first but he is still a noble who looks down at the peasants and think they are lazy if they starve. I did like this side of him, the arrogant stupid noble, not because it was a good side, but because it was the true side. of course he would look down at peasants and think that his kind was the best.

And the story is about how Sabine wants to steal from him since it was his family's fault they now can't pay taxes. But as always things do not work out, she has fancied him for ages and passion brews when they meet. This is an erotic historical romance after all. And they waste no time getting to know each other. Passion explodes of the pages so if you are looking for that then you have come to the right place.

There is also the mystery of a missing sister, who ruined de Mouiter family name, and if these two can have a happy ending. And we all know they will get one and I must say I was very happy with the end they got. I shall not say why, but it was very fitting.

It was a hot fiery tale where Cinderella got her prince, there were even glass slippers for those who wondered. ( )

Reviewed by Jen
Review copy provided by a contest win at SOS Aloha Blog
I've been hearing a lot of good things about A Midnight Dance, so to say I was thrilled when I won a copy courtesy of a contest at the SOS Aloha blog might be an understatement. I've not read any of Ms DiPasqua's other Fiery Tales, but now they are on my list of must-reads.

As I knew this was a retelling of Cinderella, I kept finding myself looking for hints of the original fairy tale. Fortunately they were there and even though there are enough differences for the story to be original, I had fun picking out the similarities (such as the glass slipper, the prince, the step-mother and so forth) while enjoying the freshness of the tale.

I think I enjoyed the character of Sabine more than Jules. She just seemed more relateable as she wasn't from the aristocracy (she was Cinderella) and she was willing to do just about anything to to find her sister and support her "family" who have fallen in hard times during the French Revolution. Jules motivations are to clear his family's name and his position in society... which isn't bad in itself, just harder to relate to especially when you're also faced with Sabine's struggle. But the chemistry between the two is sizzling and I couldn't wait to see how their Happily Ever After played out.

I strongly suggest this story to those looking for something a little different when it comes to a historical romance. And for those looking for a spicy (or fiery) story, this one will be sure to please. ( )